The erectile dysfunction (ED) market is a lucrative one, worth billions in sales each year. Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are currently the market leaders, accounting for billions in annual sales. But which is the best of the best when it comes to ED therapy? Let’s compare the three most popular ED drugs and see which one reigns supreme.
History Of Viagra
Viagra was originally approved for sale in the USA in 1990 and quickly became a worldwide sensation, with more than 100 million prescriptions written annually. Since then, Viagra has been modified to include various pharmaceutical companies, creating additional products in the same vein. It is most commonly used in the treatment of ED, but can also be used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
The first edition of Viagra was a fixed-dose combination containing 50 mg of sildenafil and 25 mg of vitamin E. The combination was launched in 1995, originally as a solution for erectile dysfunction. Later on, other products containing lower sildenafil doses were created, providing men with greater flexibility in doses. The development of Viagra was supported by the NIH, which awarded Novartis (at the time, Cipla) $20 million in 2009 to study the efficacy and safety of sildenafil as a treatment for ED. In 2018, the NIH awarded the drugmaker a $26.8 million contract to study the effects of the drug in treating heart disease and diabetes. In addition to sildenafil, the fixed-dose combination drug is also available in the form of a gel that can be absorbed into the skin.
Sildenafil (and its variations)
Sildenafil, which is sold under the brand name Viagra, is a PDE-5 inhibitor developed by Pfizer and Bayer for the treatment of ED. Sildenafil is moderately selective for PDE-5, meaning it inhibits the enzyme but does not interact as strongly with other enzymes. Sildenafil is also a non-competitive inhibitor of PDE-5, which means it does not bind to the enzyme in the same way as other naturally occurring chemical compounds. Additionally, sildenafil has a half-life of 15 minutes, preventing the accumulation of the medication in the body.
Sildenafil has been proven to increase nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide is a naturally occurring substance that helps regulate blood pressure and blood flow in the body. By increasing nitric oxide production, sildenafil helps men relax and open up their blood vessels, which helps improve blood flow to the penis and subsequently results in an erection. Sildenafil is considered to be a first-line treatment for ED, with nearly 1 million prescriptions written annually in the USA alone. The drug is also used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), two conditions associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke. In 2015, Pfizer and Bayer won a $26.8 million contract from the NIH to study the effects of sildenafil in the management of type 2 diabetes. The study is expected to last until 2024. Currently, sildenafil is available in 50 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg doses for oral administration, and in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg variations that can be inserted into the vagina for sexual stimulation.
Treatment Of ED With Viagra
Although sildenafil is the best-known ED drug, it is far from the only PDE-5 inhibitor to treat the condition. It is important to remember that not all men will be able to benefit from ED therapy, as they may require additional treatment along with their medication. If your doctor determines that ED is the root cause of your sexual dysfunction, then more than one therapy may be required.
In the case of ED, the standard treatment involves oral ingestion of sildenafil as needed throughout the day. It is a very effective and commonly prescribed treatment for ED, with many men reporting an improvement in erectile function within minutes of taking the drug. In fact, sildenafil is so effective that it is recommended for initial treatment of ED, particularly in cases where treatment is required immediately.
If you’re interested in trying therapy for ED, then you must first consult with your doctor or sexologist to determine your eligibility for the treatment. The next step is to begin taking sildenafil as directed by your doctor, typically 25 mg to 50 mg at a time, as needed. Remember to follow any additional instructions or instructions for use that may be provided by your doctor or pharmaceutical company.
Viagra is more commonly used to treat ED than any other drug, with approximately 100 million prescriptions written annually. Its efficacy as a treatment for ED is well-documented and has made it a modern classic.